Concerned Pharmacists cite lack of consultation in Alberta

News Release

Concerned Pharmacists for Conscience

In a controversial policy change, announced this week the College of Pharmacists of B.C. decided to allow pharmacists to hand out the morning after pill, Preven, over the counter without a doctor’s prescription. In response, Greg Eberhart, registrar of the Alberta Pharmaceutical Association (APhA) has stated that “The APhA hopes to follow B.C.’s push…”

“There has been no dialogue between the membership of the APhA and its executive, as to how pharmacists stand on this position,” says Ms. Maria Bizecki, spokesperson for the group Concerned Phamacists for Conscience (CPC). Ms. Bizecki further states the APhA executive finds itself under increased pressure from the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada (SOGC), to dispense this product over the counter.

In 1995, the issue of a “conscience clause” came before the APhA membership and was passed, but, after consideration, dismissed by the APhA’s self-appointed Regulatory Affairs Committee. “Forcing pharmacists to dispense or refer patients requesting Preven, an abortion causing drug developed to primarily act during Implantation of an embryo, is an insult to the autonomy of the pharmacist, the profession of pharmacy, and a health risk to women” adds Ms.Bizecki.

Concerned Pharmacists for Conscience (CPC) is opposed to pharmacists dispensing medications that violate their conscience on moral, medical ethical, or religious grounds.